Urquhart backing left & right: Holmes & Reichert

Retired Sgt. John Urquhart has captured support from a leading Seattle progressive and a Republican congressman in his bid to become King County Sheriff.

John Urquhart

“He’s a good guy,” said Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, who endorsed Urquhart on Labor Day.

U.S. Rep. Dave Reichert, who served as King County Sheriff from 1997 to 2004, rarely gives a speech on any subject without mentioning that he is a former sheriff. “He’s a cop’s cop and a leader who has my respect, complete trust and wholehearted endorsement,” Reichert said of Urquhart.

Urquhart, who retired after 24 years with the sheriff’s office, was a longtime spokesman for Reichert and his successor Sue Rahr. Rahr left the sheriff’s office to head the State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Urquhart is pitted against interim Sheriff Steve Strachan, Rahr’s hand-picked successor. Strachan was police chief in Kent until tapped to become Rahr’s chief deputy. He previously served as a police officer in Minnesota and a state legislator.